This whiskey is very familiar, but is indeed a darker, slower, and warmer dram as the name implies. The nose is far less bright then deluxe or northern rye, presenting hints of corn, vanilla and oak, much more reminiscent of bourbon then Canadian whiskey. The palate brings some initial sweetness, but it fades quickly to dark toffee and corn notes. In this expression you can tell it wants to be different then it’s siblings.. it wants to play with the American whiskeys. The finish is where the name gets to prove itself.. the charred barrels this was aged in make themselves known here with oak tannins and some of that peppery spice from the palate. Overall this isn’t remarkably complex, nor something you think someone would write a 4 paragraph review about, but if you enjoy Crown, and don’t want an overly sweet version, this is the Crown for you.